Pretoria – The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has decided to suspend the participation of Egypt in AU activities until the restitution of constitutional order.
The decision, which in is line with the AU’s strict rules against unconstitutional changes of government, was decided at a meeting of the PSC today in Ethiopia. The meeting had been called to discuss the situation in Egypt.
A statement said: “The council reiterates the AU's condemnation and rejection of any illegal seizure of power. The overthrow of the democratically elected president does not conform to the relevant provisions of Egypt's constitution, and therefore falls under the definition of an unconstitutional change of government."
Judge Adli Mansour was sworn in Thursday as Egypt's caretaker President, a day after Mohamed Morsi was removed from the presidency by the military. This follows millions of anti-government demonstrators holding nationwide protests for a week, accusing Morsi of a grab of power.
The military also put forward a roadmap for the transitional period, including forming a national government with broadened powers, suspending the current constitution and forming a commission to prepare constitutional amendments.
Morsi is allegedly under home arrest at the Republican Guards Club. On Thursday, there was still a heavy presence of security, with tanks still lining the streets.
The South African government has urged concerned parties in the country to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation.
The International Relations and Cooperation Department said on Thursday: “The government is of the view that all efforts should be made to avoid violent confrontation between contending parties.
“Instability in Egypt may have far reaching consequences on the already precarious situation in the country, as well as the North African region and Middle East.”
In line with the African Union Constitutive Act, South Africa said it was opposed to all forms of unconstitutional changes of government. – SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
